DIY Treats: Seasonal Treats With a Personal Touch

Fall is a great time to make treats whether they are for the classroom, to bring to friends, or for a party. The best treats to offer are the ones that offer a personal touch and show that some thought was put into them. And despite what many think, making the effort to create delicious, yummy, and beautiful treats yourself isn’t all that hard – especially if you can solicit the help of family members in making them. These five DIY treats are sure to have the recipients asking for more, and can incorporate the helping hands of everyone from grandma to the curious kindergartner.

Caramel Apple Dip in Mason Jars

Presenting anything in a mason jar makes it appear so much more homemade and personal. Make a caramel apple dip and package it in a mason jar. Top it with a small square of fabric and tie some raffia around it to secure it in place. For added effect, run the raffia through a hang tag with a personal message on it. To take this treat to the next level, consider putting the jar in a small basket with a few apples from the local orchard so that the recipient can dig right in if they so please.

Pumpkin Pretzels

A favorite salty snack become in adorable seasonal treat when dipped in candy melts. Take snack size pretzels and dip them in orange candy melts. Then top them with a green chocolate candy and lay them on wax paper to dry, and the result is pretzel pumpkins that are cute enough to eat. Plus the combination of salt and chocolate is delicious. For individual servings, place some in a bag and tie it with orange and green ribbons.

Autumn Fruit Pies

Roll out an uncooked pie crust on a well-floured surface and cut out an even number of autumn shapes such as leaves and pumpkins using cookie cutters. Pair off the cutouts and spread fresh fruit and sugar or preserves on the bottom half of the dough, leaving about one quarter inch around the edge. Then top with the other half of the crust and press the dough together. Brush with an egg wash and bake to create delicious autumn fruit pies.

Candied Apples

There’s nothing more decadent in fall than a delicious candied apple. Place a stick in the center of the apple and then dip it in store-bought caramel sauce prepared using the package directions. Crush a variety of toppings such as chocolate, peanuts, toffee or other favorite candies and dip the apple in the toppings, rolling it around a bit so that they reach up the sides of the apple. Stick to a single topping per apple or mix the flavors to create a treat that features the favorite flavors of those who will receive them. For packaging, place the apples in a cellophane bag and tie with a beautiful ribbon.

Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

When Halloween rolls around, along with jack-o-lanterns and witches there must be candy corn. Add a little healthy twist to this holiday favorite by mixing it into popcorn balls. Pour a mixture of melted butter, salt and marshmallows over popcorn and candy corn, stir, and then mold the mixture into ball form for a delicious and fun treat. If they have to travel, wrap each one in cellophane and tie off either end with ribbon so that they look like a piece of wrapped candy.